Last fall third graders at Sandy Hill Elementary were asked during a Project-Based Learning (PBL) project how they could help the victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. 

Soon they were connected with an elementary school in North Carolina that was devastated by the flooding. 

After many discussions and proposals, the third graders settled on a special benefit concert called Music with a Mission.

With the help of their teachers, they planned the event featuring live music, refreshments, and other activities. It all took place on Friday, March 7 at the Jenison Junior High gym.

The event was a huge success, raising $5,324 for the hurricane victims. They shared the news with the North Carolina students on a Zoom call last Friday.

“It was just a magical night,” Sandy Hill Teacher Tina Ryan said. “The kids did so well running their stations, all of the performers were so talented, and the band was just so fun. The kids just danced and danced!”

Ryan told WOOD-TV 8 for their broadcast that all the third graders learned important skills along the way, especially empathy.

“At third grade age, that’s a skill they’re just kind of starting to learn. And so it’s teaching them how to put themselves in other people’s shoes,” Ryan explained to WOOD-TV for a March 5 segment. “They’re also learning about teamwork, compromise and organization.”

For more details see the video below.